Arne Slot is still fighting for his future at Liverpool despite a recent uptick in results.
The Dutchman has fallen dramatically short of expectations this season, leaving the Reds fighting for a place in next season’s Champions League.
As a result, many supporters have grown disillusioned with life under Slot and are keen to see him relieved of his duties.
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But Liverpool owners FSG have never been the trigger-happy type when it comes to sacking managers, and they have taken a patient approach with the current boss.
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, however, the Americans are due to meet with Slot at the end of the season for talks which will determine how long he remains at Anfield.
Arne Slot must qualify for the Champions League
Speaking on the Here We Go Podcast on Thursday evening, Romano touched on the future of Slot, claiming that his stay with the Reds is likely to hinge on whether or not he secures Champions League football for 2026/27.
“For Arne Slot the situation is quite clear,” said the journalist. “Being in the Champions League next season will be absolutely crucial for him. If Liverpool will not be in the Champions League next season I think this could bring them into an important review in the summer.”
Arne Slot and John Henry embrace after Liverpool are crowned Premier League champions on the final day of the 2024/25 season at Anfield.
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
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“Now the full focus is on the pitch, on Champions League, on the opportunity to win a trophy which would be massive for Liverpool. Then in the summer, review at the club.
“if they’re in the Champions League will be one of the factors to decide on Arne Slot. I expect the club, the owners, the board to meet at the end of the season and decide what they’re going to do.
“At the moment they’ve always been protecting Slot, even in difficult moments when the situation was really complicated, always showing the trust, but at the end of the season there will be an internal review and we will see.”
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Xabi Alonso pictured during Real Madrid's La Liga match against Real Betis at the Bernabeu (Credit: Getty Images/Alberto Gardin/NurPhoto).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Alberto Gardin/NurPhoto
What’s going on with Xabi Alonso?
Should Slot be relieved of his duties, Xabi Alonso will be the heavy favourite to replace him.
Alonso was linked with the Marseille job earlier this week but, according to Romano, the Spaniard is still waiting for the right opportunity.
“Some people on the board of Olympique Marseille wanted to see if Xabi was ready to accept that kind of opportunity. But the answer from Alonso is that he wants to wait,” he says.
“My understanding is that he wants to return as soon as possible, that’s 100 per cent confirmed and guaranteed, so he’s not going to take a long break, but for now he’s focused on different kinds of opportunities. He will wait for these managerial changes in the next months to understand if there could be the right opportunity.”
Liverpool are likely to come into Alonso’s thinking in this regard, and with the former Reds midfielder waiting in the wings, the pressure is no doubt very much on for Slot to make sure the remaining targets are achieved.
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